Health & Wellness

First Aid Manual

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Governor Charlie Baker has proclaimed September 2018 to be Emergency Preparedness Month to highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and to encourage planning for disasters and other types of emergencies. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Public Health (DPH) will promote public preparedness throughout the month through various outreach initiatives. These efforts are part of a month-long nationwide preparedness campaign to encourage residents to take simple steps to better prepare themselves, their homes, their businesses, and their communities.

“The destructive storms that impacted the Commonwealth in March and the recent natural disasters across the country are reminders of the importance of emergency preparedness,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Preparedness improves public health and safety, can help minimize property damage and the economic impacts of disasters, and can accelerate the disaster recovery process.”

Influenza Flu

A flu shot is the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including hospitalization.

Getting vaccinated protects those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like infants and young children, older people and people with certain chronic health condition.

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is December 3-9. NIVW is a national awareness week focused on highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will be releasing a blog article on Monday, December 4th to remind the public to get vaccinated as well as discuss the importance of vaccinating high-risk populations. The blog will be posted on the DPH Public Health Blog. MDPH will also be conducting a week long twitter campaign on their twitter for the campaign.

HealthMap Vaccine Finder assists the public with locating influenza and adult vaccination services within their communities. It is a free, online service where users can search for locations that offer immunizations. Its staff works with partners such as clinics, pharmacies, and health departments to provide accurate and up-to-date information about vaccination services. Visit the Massachusetts Department of Health website for more information.

Visit CDC’s website to find out what to do if you get sick with the flu and how to care for someone at home who is sick with the flu. www.cdc.gov

Public Health Advisory - Opiate Overdose

The City of Worcester Division of Public Health is concerned about an increase in deaths related to opiate overdoses in recent days. Preliminary testing indicates that contaminated heroin may be available on the streets. If you witness a suspected drug overdose please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Important note: This website is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care, only a supplement to it. If you believe you have a medical problem, please contact your family doctor or physician.